Best Appetizer Cheese Trees Recipes
APPETIZER CHEESE TREES OR SNOWMEN
Make and share this Appetizer Cheese Trees or Snowmen recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Crabbycakes
Categories Cheese
Time 4h30m
Yield 7 Cups
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Mix cream cheese and Cheddar cheese; divide in half.
- Mix pesto into one half; mix onion, mustard and pepper sauce into other half.
- Cover each half and refrigerate about 4 hours or until firm enough to shape.
- Place cheese mixtures on cookie sheet.
- Shape each half into cone shape to look like Christmas tree.
- Roll trees in parsley, pressing evenly onto trees.
- Press bell pepper pieces onto trees to form ornaments.
- Press pine nuts onto trees in string to form garland.
- Top each tree with star-shape cut from lemon peel, if desired.
- Serve with crackers.
- For Snowman Cheeseball: above recipe enough for one large snowman or two small snowmen.
- Omit parsley, pine nuts and bell pepper.
- Mix cream cheese and Cheddar cheese; divide into 3 equal parts.
- Mix 2 parts to equal two-thirds of mixture;mix in pesto.
- Mix onion, mustard and pepper sauce into remaining one third of cheese mixture.
- Refrigerate as directed.
- Shape each cheese mixture into two balls; roll 1/3 cup finely chopped blanched almonds.
- Arrange balls on serving plate with smaller ball on top for head of snowman; press together slightly.
- Insert pretzel sticks for arms.
- Decorate as desired, with capers (for eyes), sliced olives (for buttons), chopped carrots (for nose), sliced cucumber (for hat a thin slice for brim a chunk for top), chopped bell pepper (for mouth) and fresh thyme leaves (for scarf).
APPETIZER CHEESE TREES
Enjoy this creatively made cheese spread - a delicious appetizer perfect for Christmas celebration.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Appetizer
Time 4h30m
Yield 28
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Mix cream cheese and Cheddar cheese; divide in half. Mix pesto into 1 half; mix onion, mustard and pepper sauce into other half. Cover each half and refrigerate about 4 hours or until firm enough to shape.
- Place cheese mixtures on cookie sheet. Shape each half into cone shape to look like Christmas tree. Roll trees in parsley, pressing parsley evenly onto trees. Press pine nuts onto trees in string form for garland. Press bell pepper pieces onto trees for ornaments. Top each tree with star shape cut from lemon peel if desired. Serve with crackers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 155, Carbohydrate 1 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1/4 Cup, Sodium 180 mg
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Appetizer cheese trees recipes are a must-try for any cheese lover, particularly during the festive season. These easy-to-make appetizers are great for parties and entertaining guests. This article will introduce you to everything you need to know about appetizer cheese tree recipes.
What are Appetizer Cheese Trees?
An appetizer cheese tree is a festive and fun way to serve cheese at a party or gathering. It is essentially a three-dimensional cheese board made up of different types of cheeses, arranged to look like a tree. An appetizer cheese tree is typically accompanied by other complementary items like crackers, fruits, and nuts.How to Make Appetizer Cheese Trees
Appetizer cheese trees are relatively easy to make. There are no strict rules when it comes to what types of cheese to use; however, it is important to use cheeses of different colors, textures, and flavors, to create a visually appealing and tasty tree.Ingredients:
- Assorted cheeses (cheddar, blue cheese, goat cheese, brie, gouda, etc.)
- Crackers or bread
- Fruits (grapes, apples, pears, etc.)
- Nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, etc.)
Instructions:
- Choose a sturdy base for your tree, such as a cheese board, a platter, or a cake stand.
- Begin by selecting your cheese. Cut the cheese into different shapes and sizes, such as cubes, triangles, and wedges.
- Arrange the cheese on the base in the shape of a tree, starting with the largest pieces at the bottom and working your way up to the smaller pieces at the top.
- Add crackers, bread, fruits, and nuts to the base to fill the gaps between the cheese and create a festive look.
- Decorate the cheese tree with rosemary sprigs or edible flowers, as desired.
Tips for Making a Great Appetizer Cheese Tree
- Choose an assortment of cheeses with different colors, textures, and flavors to create a visually appealing and tasty tree.
- Consider adding other festive elements to the cheese tree, such as edible flowers, fruits, or nuts to enhance its visual appeal.
- Make sure your base is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the cheese and all the other elements you plan to add.
- If you're short on time, you can also buy pre-cut cheese cubes, so you don't have to spend time cutting the cheese.
- Consider serving with a variety of crackers, bread, and fruit, to allow guests to mix and match flavors and textures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, appetizer cheese trees are a creative and festive way to serve cheese at any gathering, whether for the holidays or any other occasion. With a variety of cheeses, crackers, fruits, and nuts, you can create your own unique appetizer cheese tree that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. So, next time you're looking for a fun and easy appetizer, give appetizer cheese trees a try!
Making appetizer cheese trees is a beautiful and creative way to kick off your party feast. Whether it's a birthday party, game night, a get-together, or a festive occasion, cheese trees are a perfect addition to your appetizer menu. The golden brown and crispy crust and the delicious melted cheese in the middle give the dish an irresistible appeal. In this article, we will provide you with helpful tips on making appetizer cheese trees that will wow your guests.
1. Choose the Right Cheese:
The type of cheese you choose significantly affects the taste of your cheese tree. Soft cheese like brie, fontina, or camembert works well for the inside of the cheese tree. While harder cheese such as cheddar, parmesan, or gruyere provides the exterior coating of your cheese tree. However, you can experiment with different types of cheese to find the perfect pairing for your taste buds.
2. Use the Right Tools:
It is imperative to have the right tools that make your cheese tree preparation process easy and efficient. A food processor, cheese grater, and a piping bag with a plain or star-shaped tip are handy tools for making a beautiful cheese tree. Moreover, you can use cookie cutters, knives, or small biscuit cutters to create unique tree shapes that will impress your guests.
3. Be Aware of the Temperature:
The temperature of the cheese also matters when making cheese trees. It is essential to bring the soft cheese to room temperature before spreading it on the hard cheese. This allows for easier spreading and helps to create the right texture for your cheese tree. Additionally, you want to ensure that your hard cheese is chilled, making it easier to grate or shred.
4. Be Creative with Your Toppings:
While the cheese and the crust are the main components of the cheese tree, toppings can help to enhance the flavor and texture of your cheese tree. You can add ingredients such as garlic, herbs, nuts, or honey to the mixture before shaping or sprinkle it on top of the baked cheese tree. The toppings can help to brighten the flavor of your cheese tree and add an extra dimension of interest to your plate.
5. Use Quality Ingredients:
The quality of your ingredients contributes significantly to the success of your cheese tree. Use fresh, high-quality cheese for the best taste and texture. Moreover, use fresh herbs and spices rather than pre-packaged ones that have been sitting on the shelf. Also, it's good to have a well-stocked pantry, so you're able to create any recipe with ease.
6. Plan Ahead:
Making cheese trees is a time-consuming process, especially when it comes to preparing and rolling out the dough, and then baking your cheese tree. Planning ahead will save you time and help you stay organized. You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it to save time. Also, make sure to allow yourself enough time to prepare your cheese mixtures, toppings, and ensure that you have all the tools you need before baking.
7. Add a Splash of Color:
A tree without leaves seems incomplete. Adding color to your cheese tree can make it look more attractive and add a pop of color to your dish. You can use red and green peppers, cranberries, or any color of your choosing to make your cheese tree look more festive.
8. Use the Right Oven Temperature:
Baking at the right temperature helps to achieve the perfect golden-brown crust and melted cheese inside the tree. You need to preheat your oven to the right temperature for even baking. A hot oven will cause the cheese to melt while the crust remains undercooked, while a low oven temperature will cause the crust to burn while the inside remains uncooked. The recommended temperature to bake your cheese tree is 375°F.
9. Keep an Eye on the Cheese Tree While Baking:
It is important to keep a watchful eye on your cheese tree while it's baking. Cheese trees have a tendency to cook quickly, so you want to ensure that you're not overbaking them. Don't be afraid to check on your cheese tree every few minutes and adjust the heat accordingly. Also, be careful not to overdo the toppings as they can burn quickly.
10. Serve Your Cheese Trees Fresh:
Cheese trees are best served hot, straight from the oven. The texture and taste of your cheese tree will begin to change once it starts to cool down, so it is important to serve them right away. However, if you want to save some for later, you can reheat your cheese tree in the oven at a lower temperature to revive the texture and freshness.
Conclusion:
Making appetizer cheese trees is an art, and it requires patience, creativity, and a willingness to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. By following the tips mentioned above, you can create a visually impressive and delicious appetizer that will delight your guests. Remember always to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, plan ahead, and allow yourself enough time to prepare and bake. Your cheese tree is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!